Mental Wellbeing Scottish Rugby Union

There is a strong link between sport and mental well-being.

This is why Scottish Rugby is passionate in raising awareness of mental well-being, and breaking any negative stigmas which might exist around mental health.

Scottish FA launched new action plan to end mental health stigma in Scottish football

The Scottish FA has launched its first ever Mental Health Action Plan as they aim to end the stigma around the issue in football and create an environment for people to talk openly about their mental health in the game.

The new plan has been launched as part of the Scottish FA Equality Framework; Football Unites, which aims to make Scottish football representative and reflective of the demographic of Scotland at all levels.

The plan is released in conjunction with the Scottish FA’s support for the Royal Foundation’s Heads Up mental health campaign.

Earlier this year the Scottish FA signed a joint declaration committing to make mental health a key priority at all levels of the game, as a lasting legacy of the Royal Foundation’s Heads Up campaign.

Scottish Athletics aims to foster an environment where people feel able to discuss issues in confidence and are aware of where they can go to get help, both within and outside the sport.

It is important for coaches, through education opportunities, to become more aware of mental health issues and consideration should be given to including the recognition of such issues and appropriate signposting.

Highland Rugby Club in Inverness shared their ‘It’s ok not to be ok’ video. Players shared their own challenges with mental health and the benefit sport can play in their lives. The club was overwhelmed by the social media uptake and the positive comments received.

“Nobody is immune to mental health, everyone struggles. So we want to be proactive in preventing mental health problems by creating an environment where everyone feels they can talk and ask for help. 90% of our rugby club has nothing to do with rugby.” Iain Chisholm, Rugby Development Officer, Highland Rugby Club.